Opening the New Play Equipment
Earlier this week, students and a few special guests gathered for the official opening of the new play equipment for our youngest students. Under the beautiful blue sky, it was a joy to hear the speeches of gratitude from our young orators who rejoiced in their wonderful playground and its equipment.
Thank you to Mrs Taggart, Mrs Huda and Mrs Latis for attending this special occasion and for representing the School’s P and F which generously provided the funds for the equipment.
NAPLAN 2024
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an assessment for students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Conducted in May each year, NAPLAN is a nationwide measure to assist parents/carers, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments and the broader community to determine whether young Australians are developing the necessary skills in literacy and numeracy.
Measured against national standards, NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process and do not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.
NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four areas (or ‘domains’) of: reading, writing, conventions of language (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.
The results are classified into one of four proficiency levels: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs Additional Support.
The results for Illawarra Grammar are summarised below. It is pleasing to see that we are operating well above the state average in most areas, and even more pleasing to see the ongoing improvement in results, especially in the literacy areas.
While NAPLAN results are only one small measure of assessment, I find them to be a helpful indicator of our students’ progress, especially as they move from year to year through the School.
Taj Mahal
Under the extraordinary leadership of Mrs Usha Fernadez and Dr Sharad and Dr Lata Tamhane, the Taj Mahal committee has spent many hours organising tomorrow night’s Taj Mahal which promises to provide us with a wonderfully festive occasion. I look forward to seeing you there.
Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day to all our dads, grandfathers and father-figures. The role you play in raising happy, healthy children cannot be overstated. Thank you.
Junior School News
Head of Junior School
We are delighted to share that our Father’s Day breakfast was a resounding success! It was a wonderful opportunity for our school community to come together and celebrate the special role of fathers and father figures.
Thank you to our dedicated P and F members, whose outstanding organisation and coordination made this event possible. Their hard work created a memorable experience for all.
Thank you to all involved with the coordination of our Father’s Day stall also. We are confident that there will be many smiles come Sunday.
Senior School News
Head of Senior School
Last week, staff, students, parents and carers had an opportunity to attend ‘The Works’ Exhibition. This event showcased the academic and creative achievements of our HSC students, featuring their Major Works in Visual Arts, Music, Timber, Design and Technology, Society and Culture, and English Extension 2.
The standards on display never fail to impress, but it is often the personal stories behind the works that provide the greatest food for thought. Visitors contemplated painted scenes depicting the experiences of war-torn Syria, engaging with a personal exploration of faith and historical colonialism, or appreciating the heartfelt dedications that inspired some of the exceptional timber pieces. It was a true privilege to share in the exceptional work that has been undertaken by these talented Year 12 students.
General School News